Unchained: Big Ideas From The Worlds Of Blockchain And Cryptocurrency

In this episode, Reed Werbitt, US CEO of Flowdesk, and Hanson Birringer, Head of US OTC Sales, delve into the intricacies of launching a token and the evolving landscape of over-the-counter markets. They discuss what factors teams should consider when choosing market makers and exchanges, how the launch of bitcoin and ether ETFs has impacted the markets, and the role of points systems in attracting users to tokens. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by Bitcoin miners amid recent market developments and the opportunities presented by solving fragmentation. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:53 Reed’s and Hanson’s backgrounds and what Flowdesk aims to do 05:52 How market makers work with token issuers 11:55 How a token issuer decides where to launch their tokens and what market maker to choose  17:53 Why Binance and OKX are the most desirable exchanges on which to list a token 18:38 Whether the crypto markets have changed with the launch of spot ETFs 19:36 The ideal ways to launch a token, an

In this episode, Aki Balogh, CEO of dlcBTC, explores how Discreet Log Contracts (DLC) can change how Bitcoin works in DeFi by creating a self-sovereign Wrapped Bitcoin. He delves into the mechanics of dlcBTC, its security features, and how it aims to be more decentralized than existing Wrapped Bitcoin solutions like WBTC. Aki also shares future plans for dlcBTC, including integration with Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions and expansion to various blockchain ecosystems. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:48 Aki’s background and how he got into crypto 04:14 What Discreet Log Contracts (DLC) are and why they are relevant for Bitcoin 07:56 How dlcBTC leverages these types of contracts to build a self-sovereign Wrapped Bitcoin and the differences with the current WBTC 15:41 Aki’s reaction to the news that WBTC will soon be handled by a joint venture between BitGo, Justin Sun and the Tron ecosystem 19:27 The role of attesters in making dlcBTC secure 23:26 How redemptions work in this kind of setup 27:31 Whether dlcBTC

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and chop it up about the latest news. This week, the gang is joined by Shuyao, cofounder of MegaETH Labs and founder of hotpot DAO.  They dive into the unfolding drama surrounding WBTC and BitGo's strategic shift towards multi-jurisdictional custody in Hong Kong. They also explore the growing buzz around decentralized AI, sparked by Haseeb’s newfound role as an “influencer” in the space, and debate whether these projects can truly succeed.  Moreover, with the SEC reportedly issuing subpoenas to crypto VCs, the discussion turns to the potential implications for token investments and regulatory scrutiny. Lastly, is this cycle lacking a zero-to-one innovation? Show highlights:  ➡️ 02:22 What MegaETH is and how hotpot DAO was born ➡️ 07:09 Reflections on the Science Blockchain Conference and its academic rebranding across major universities ➡️ 16:55 How Haseeb became an “influencer for decentralized AI” and whether

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann sit down with Chris Cecere of crypto investment firm Asymmetric to make sense of the latest market volatility and the factors driving it.  From the impact of the yen carry trade and the Fed’s controversial decisions on interest rates, to the potential signals coming out of Jackson Hole, the discussion cuts to the heart of what’s moving the markets. The group also dives into the SEC’s crackdown on Ripple, the ongoing drama surrounding wrapped bitcoin (WBTC) custody, and whether the Biden-Harris administration is genuinely considering a “crypto reset” or if it’s just political posturing. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:05 Whether the yen carry trade is to blame for the recent market sell-off and the concept of Value at Risk (VAR) 09:25 How Asymmetric handled the volatility of the sell-off using a strategy called “delta replacement” 14:17 Why the Volatility Index (VIX) spiked and whether it could do so again 22:21 Why Alex thi

Custodia, established as a special purpose depository institution in Wyoming, aimed to offer secure banking services for the crypto sector. Despite meeting state requirements and taking extra steps to demonstrate its commitment to safety, Custodia’s application for a Fed master account was met with delays and ultimately denied in an unprecedented 86-page report. In this episode, Caitlin and Michelle explain why they believe the Fed’s rejection was politically motivated, how this relates to Operation Choke Point 2.0, the appallingly small number of American banks owned by women, where they are in their lawsuit against the Fed, and what this case means for the future of crypto banking in the U.S. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:52 What Custodia Bank is and how it got started in Wyoming 06:04 How Custodia got into a fight with the Fed to get its master account 09:58 How the dual banking system works in the U.S. and the differences between Custodia and traditional banks 18:15 Why Custodia filed a lawsuit aga

This episode addresses the recent market crash, the Bank of Japan's surprising rate hike, and its global impact. The team also discusses the Science of Blockchain Conference's relocation from Stanford to New York, and the current political landscape affecting crypto, including reactions from key politicians and internal community conflicts. Highlights include Solana's recent performance surge, opportunities in its ecosystem, and the effects of Elizabeth Warren's letter to the CFTC on prediction markets. Tune in for an insightful overview of these significant developments! Show highlights

After the unwinding of the Japan carry trade, the weak jobs report, and Jump’s dumping of ETH slammed crypto prices earlier this week, Jason Pagoulatos, head of markets at Delphi Digital, gives his insights on where prices are headed. He explains why he thinks Ethereum has underperformed so far in 2024, how the ETH ETFs might impact the price as outflows from Grayscale’s ETHE dwindle, and how the election, moves by the Fed, and the adoption of Bitcoin ETFs by Morgan Stanley advisors will affect BTC.  Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:34 Why the markets have rebounded since the weekend selloff 04:11 The role of Jump in the ETH selloff and why ETH has been underperforming so much this year 14:18 Whether Grayscale’s ETHE slowing down the outflows will reverse the trend for ETH 17:53 Why Jason believes that investment advisors will continue to push bitcoin to their clients 20:18 How the macroeconomic environment is affecting crypto prices now and the impact in the near future Visit our website for breaking n

The recent crypto crash has left many investors questioning the way the market is going. In this episode, Jeff Dorman, chief investment officer at Arca, provides a deep dive into the factors behind the crash, the macroeconomic influences at play, and why he remains optimistic despite the downturn. Expressing surprise at Ethereum's underperformance this year, he describes how the Democrats’ handling of crypto is an own goal, and how TradFi and DeFi differ from each other during market upheavals. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:38 The two main reasons the markets crashed this past weekend 05:29 How the macro environment has affected crypto lately and why the market has gotten “way ahead of itself” 12:44 Why ETH was down so much, more than other cryptocurrencies 16:52 The “most important” shift in crypto policy that has occurred this year 21:19 The Japanese yen carry trade that was one of the key factors in the market meltdown 30:20 Whether Genesis distributing $4 billion in assets had an impact on the ma

In this episode, George Selgin, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses the recent proposals by Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Senator Cynthia Lummis for the U.S. government to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. George provides his insights into the differences between these proposals, their potential implications, and why he believes the government should not be investing in bitcoin or other assets. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:16 How the Bitcoin proposals by Trump, RFK Jr., and Lummis differ 04:08 Why George believes that Trump’s proposal to not sell the government’s bitcoin is just symbolic  07:36 What the purpose of acquiring BTC is in the Lummis and RFK proposals 11:29 Whether the government should even be investing in bitcoin or other assets 18:53 How would the government buy BTC as per the Lummis bill 25:08 How likely is it that the bill passes through Congress 27:40 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto,

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we dive into topics like the potential U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve proposed by Trump and political figures, and its implications for the institutional adoption of Bitcoin. The episode explores the recent turmoil in DAO governance through the example of Compound's voting mishap with a controversial proposal, analyzing the role of activist investors. The squad also reflects on the legal challenges faced by the founder of BitClout, Nader Al-Naji, who was charged with misappropriation of funds, offering insights into the importance of transparent and ethical governance in the crypto industry. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Pandora, Castbox, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann dive deep with Nic Carter into the game-changing promises Trump is making to the crypto community, Kamala Harris’s unexpected policy shifts, and the explosive rise of Solana.  Plus, Nic reveals his unexpected journey into amateur fighting and tackles the pressing issues around Ethereum ETFs, and what ecosystem he’s been funding more as of late.  Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:23 Why Alex believes the conference was one of the most incredible moments in the history of crypto 10:00 Nic’s reaction to Trump mentioning breaking down ‘Operation Chokepoint 2.0,’ a term that Nic himself coined 13:44 Nic’s karate fight and his journey to becoming an amateur fighter 21:42 Why Nic thinks that there’s no chance that the Lummis bill proposing the US government establish a strategic bitcoin reserve will pass 29:31 The significance of Trump’s promises at Bitcoin Nashville 36:26 How Tether is comparable to the Eurodollar system 39:41 W

As the 2024 elections approach, crypto voters are a real bloc that could be a deciding factor in what looks to be a tight race.  In this episode, Sheila Warren of the Crypto Council for Innovation and Justin Slaughter from Paradigm discuss the significance of Trump appearing at Bitcoin 2024, promising the crypto community pretty much everything on its bucket list, the Democrats’ seeming pro-crypto shift behind the scenes, and the game theory around Gary Gensler’s future (likely not at the SEC).  Plus, they cover the significance (and likelihood of passing) of the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill proposed and to be introduced by Sen. Cynthia Lummis, what would it take for Kamala Harris to show that she truly is a crypto-friendly candidate, and what the Democrats would have to do to undo the damage done by Gensler and win some of the crypto vote.  Lastly, they explore the potential impact on the SEC of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:08 The signific

The Democratic Party has faced criticism from the crypto industry for its stance on the sector, but House Representative Ro Khanna is determined to change that narrative.  In this episode, he talks about his efforts to shift the party’s approach, his thoughts on the current regulatory environment, and his vision for a crypto-friendly future. He gives his insights on the implications of the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Chevron doctrine, the potential for a crypto bill this year, and his upcoming remarks at the Nashville Bitcoin conference. Plus, if you are a single-issue voter, he’s got something to say to you. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:36 How Rep. Khanna is working to change the Democrat approach to crypto policy in the U.S. 04:54 What Rep. Khanna's response is to formerly Democratic crypto voters, such as Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, who have decided to vote for Trump this election 07:12 What Rep. Khanna would like to see in a potential crypto plank of the Democratic Party platform 07:5

The Open Network, aka TON, has been on a tear since late February. TVL has skyrocketed 34x since the beginning of the year, reaching over $750 million as of the time of recording. The price of TON has more than tripled from about $2 to $7, and daily active addresses recently exceeded those of Ethereum in May and June. Games with fun names like Hamster Kombat and Catizen are gaining traction, and Pantera Capital, an OG crypto investor, is making its largest investments yet in TON.  In this episode, Alena Shmalko and Jack Booth from the TON Foundation discuss how TON has managed to garner this traction, especially after a rocky start when the SEC went after the original founder, Telegram. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:13 Alena’s and Jack’s backgrounds and how they ended up at TON 05:35 How TON evolved from its origins with Telegram to its current status and how it began getting traction this year, according to Jack 11:21 How The Open League helped TON grow its TVL and other important metrics 15:40 How Te

In this episode of Unchained, Congressman French Hill provides an insider's perspective on the present and future of crypto regulation.  Hill delves into the ongoing legislation and the implications of the FIT21 Bill, shares his views on who should succeed Gary Gensler as SEC chair if Trump is re-elected, and discusses the controversial role of the CFTC in regulating the crypto industry. He also touches on the potential impacts of the Chevron doctrine being overturned by the Supreme Court, Trump’s evolving stance on crypto, and the latest developments in the Binance executive detention case in Nigeria. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:26 How Rep. Hill's long-time passion for technological advancement led to his involvement in crypto and blockchain 04:00 The current state of ongoing legislation and why Rep. Hill is proud of the FIT21 bill 08:49 Who would be his top pick to chair the SEC if Trump is re-elected as president 11:42 Why he supports having the CFTC regulate the spot crypto markets  12:40 How he

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we invite Laura Shin and special guest Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association to discuss the latest in crypto politics. We dive deep into JD Vance's VP candidacy alongside Donald Trump and its implications for the crypto industry. We also explore the impact of recent political events on the crypto markets, the potential outcomes of key legislative efforts, and the future of the SEC post-2024 elections. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the shifting political landscape might shape the future of crypto in the U.S. Show highlights

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann, joined by guest Jack Platts, dive into the market's reaction to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, looking at how this event will influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election—and the crypto markets. They also cover potential rate cuts: Could there be a cut this July? How big might the rate cut be in September? Could the decision ever be influenced by the upcoming election? They also give their predictions for what percentage of the BTC ETF inflows the ETH ETFs will reach, and James talks about what he’s expecting for Grayscale’s ETHE (hint: his view would be positive for ETH). Finally, they delve into what’s next for Bitcoin as the German government runs out of BTC and Mt. Gox distributions begin. Is it up only now? Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:18 Whether the Trump shooting has settled the election and whether the event caused a “flight to safety” 11:23 How election markets are becoming a

Iggy Azalea joins Unchained to share the story of how the $MOTHER token got started (spoiler: there was a brush with a potential scammer), her stresses during the launch, and what she plans to do about the price slumping over 60% since the all-time high. A master of memes and OnlyFans, she talks about how she is using her experience in both realms to make MOTHER a success, even though she has yet to make any money from the token.  She also discusses her beef with Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin, the allegations that there was insider trading of MOTHER, and how she plans to avoid regulatory action. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:27 How Iggy got “onchain” and interested in crypto 03:01 How Iggy's understanding of memes and the attention economy influenced her approach to music and now MOTHER 08:09 How a brush with “scammer” Sahil Arora sparked the MOTHER launch  11:56 How Iggy plans to integrate her token into her business ventures and what strategies she's using to achieve this 16:33 Why she chose two

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, Jason Yanowitz from Blockworks joins the squad to explore the media's significant role in the crypto industry. They discuss challenges faced by the media in meeting client demands and industry expectations, and highlight financial sustainability and biases. The hosts compare crypto media to mainstream journalism, examining the balance between journalistic integrity and revenue. They critique broader media trends, discussing monopolistic narratives and public dissatisfaction, with a specific look at political coverage. The episode concludes with reflections on the media's evolving role in truth dissemination amidst industry fragmentation. Show highlights

Mustafa Al-Bassam was a teenage hacktivist who outsmarted a US government contractor, shamed the Westboro Baptist Church, hacked Sony a record number of times, and eventually got arrested—though his 80 transgressions got halved for a funny reason.  At the Modular Summit in Brussels, Laura had a fireside chat with Mustafa to discuss how he went from his teenage years as the head of LulzSec and member of Anonymous to founding Celestia, a project aiming to solve key issues in blockchain scalability by going with a modular approach.  He also discussed data availability sampling, why he believes Celestia has achieved significant product-market fit since its launch, and the three key components of Celestia’s road map. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Mustafa’s origin story and how he became a developer who ended up hacking FBI affiliates and Fox News 05:32 How he hacked a military contractor to the US Department of Defense and Sony 09:16 Why Mustafa was arrested at the age of 16 11:14 What about Bitcoin attr